Apparatus for feeding metal strip to metal working presses



Feh l z, 1946. 1' TODD I Q 2,394,824

' APPARATUS FOR FEEDING METAL STRIP T0 METAL WORKING PRESSES Filed June '7, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 40 I RUSSELL "c TODD Feb. 1 2, 1945; R1 T I 2,394,824

APPARATUS FOR FEEDING METAL STRIP TO METAL WORKING iRESSES Filed June 7, 1 941 e Sheets- Sheet 2 =5 RUSSELL T. TQDD 3% WW J F921). 12,1946. R. T. TODD 2,394,824

APPARATUS FOR FEEDING METAL STRIP TO METAL WORKING PRESSE S Filed June 7, 1941 e sheets-sheet z 3 z yw.

Feb. 12 1946. R, T. TODD APPARATUS FOR FEEDING METAL STRIP To METAL WORKING PRESSES Filed June 7, 194] 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 RUSELL T. To DD Feb. 12, 1946; R. T. TODD 2,394,324 APPARATUS FOR FEEDING METAL STRIP TO METAL WORKING PRESSES --Fil ed Jurie "r, 1941 e Sheets-Sheet 5 12a I27 M16 grwe/wfo o RUSSELL T. TODD Feb. 12, 1946. R. T. TODD 2,394,824

APPARATUS FOR FEEDING METAL STRIP TO METAL WORKING PRESSES Filed June 7, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 SCR ICR

|4a I RUSSELL I TODD to a metal working press Patented Feb. 12, 1946' APPARATUS FOR FEEDDIG METAL STRH T METAL WORKING PRESSES Russell T. Todd,

McKay Machine Com a corporation oi ilhio Youngstown, Ohio, assignor, to parry, Youngstown, @hio,

Application time 7, 1941, Serial No. 397,060 17 Claims. (Cl. 153-54) This invention relates to an improved apparatus for handling, processing, and feeding metal strip and also to an improved method and apparatus for controlling the operation oi the handling and processing equipment and for-controlling the movement of the strip relative to the cutting or working dies oi the press. more'specifically, the invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for handling,

, processing, and feeding metal strip to a continuously operating press whereby the strip may be automatically handled, processed, and fed in syn chronism with the operation of the press in an entirely automatic manner thereby substantially increasing the productive capacity of the assembly While reducing stoclr Waste to an absolute minimum.

Iii-e primary object oi the invention is the provision or on im roved mother. and apparatus for the purpose .catecl above which is operative to supply the p to the metal working press in a ,nd dependable manner and in moved condition whereby the :y of. the press is increased and A further a d more specific object the inven= tion is the pi on of improved apparatus for carryingout ethod oi the invention which apparatus is Uged and durable in service and so arranged minimum of factory floor space is required for its installation and operation. The invention also contemplates the incorporation oi. such apparatus into compact seli contained units to be employed individually with each press. lions. the individual unit may be set up for a particular press operation and "when this is accomplished, the unit will automatically process and supply strip at high speed direct from the coils in which form the strip is normally supplied to the stamping or fabricating plant.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved uncoiler for uncoiling metal strip and oi an improved arrangement for driving and controlling the operation of the uncoiler. Also, the invention seeks .to provide an improved assembly for cleani g, processing including levelling, and measuring continuous metal strip and to provide an improved interlocking control system for the various elements of the line including the uncoiling mechanism. and the press.

Yet another object of the invention is the provision of an improved assembly for uncoiling processing, and feeding continuous metal strip to a. metal working press which is amenable to such controlthat the threading through of the stock and the setting up of the assembled mechanism including the adjustment of the measuring device are substantially simplified and facilitated wherei is oi a better and more unis a ratus of Figure 3;

by the ofi" time of the press line due to changing coils is materially shortened. These and other objectsand advantages oi the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed specification and the accompanying drawings wherein there ierred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1, parts a and b, is a side view or an apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles oi the invention;

Figure 2, parts a and b, is a plan view of the a ipsratus oi Figure l Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the strip scrub= bing assembly of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2;

.Figw e ii is fragmentary View of the appa- Figure 5 is a fragmentary view of process or utilised in the Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the strip measuring device of the apparatus;

Figures 3 and 8 are piping diagrams for the hydraulic drives tor the uncoiling assembly for the balance of the apparatus, respectively; and

Figure 9 is a Wiring diagram of control the metal apparatus of circuit for theelpporstus oi Figures 1 and 2.

' of which is slidably mounted a guide The apparatus of invention, in its preferred and illustrated embodiment, consists principally of a strip uncoillng assembly illustrated by Figures and 2c; and of a combination machine illustrated in Figures 121* and which machine consists in turn of a strip scrubbing or cleaning or processor, a roller leveller, and a strip measuring device. Said machine is most advantageously constructed as a unitary compact assembly for purposes of economy in construction and operation, and would facilitate the control of the component parts of the machine. Interposed between the uncoiler and said machine is a short loop pit adapted to receive a length of the strip to insure the availability of the supply of strip'for said machine regardless of the existence of some control lag in the operation of the uncoiler.

The strip uncoiling apparatusof Figures 1a and 2a comprises a base Ill on which is mounted spaced upstanding frames H and E2 in each carrier l3. Carriers l3 are positioned along a common axis and a. coil side guide It is rotatably mounted on the inner end of each of the carriers. Each carrier is providedwith a rack l5 which is adapted to be engaged by a pinion housed within the casing l6 and adapted to be driven by one or the other of the motors ml or m2. This aris disclosed a pre assembly, a cold working device ing 3h The pinch rolls damage to the side edges of the coil or strip as explained in U. S. Patent No. 2,122,674 to Wardle. Also supported on the base II! but below and to either side of the axis of the guides M are bearing blocks l1 arranged in two groups of three each for the purpose of supporting the two spaced parallel coil carrying shafts IS. The outer of the blocks I! are conveniently positioned in windows l9 formed from the lower portions of the frames H and [2, while the other of the blocksare positioned intermediate the ends of the shafts. .A plurality of removable bands or sleeves 20 are mounted on each'of the shafts l8 and these bands or sleeves are covered with brake lining material to provide sufficient driving friction between the shafts and the coil, while avoiding marring or scratching of the surface of the strip of the coil. Shafts l8 are arranged to be driven by a'shaft 2i through suitable worm gearing, not shown, and shaft 2| is in turn arranged to be driven by a variable hydraulic motor hm3. Motorhm3 receives hy-- draulic fluid pressure from pump hp3 which in turn is driven by an electric motor m3.

Extending upwardly and outwardly from the rear-edge of each of the frames II and I2 is a housing 22 in which is journaled a fixed guide roll 23, a pair of pinch rolls 24, a pluralityof side guide rolls 25 to engage the side edges of the strip, and upper and lower guide rolls 26 to guidethe strip as it leaves the uncoiler. The side guide rol1s25 are arranged to be moved inwardly and outwardly to accommodate strip of varied width by suitable and conventional mechanism,

pressure exerted by pinch rolls 24' is adapted to be varied by manipulation of hand wheel 28 through well-known and conventional linkage, not shown. Pinch rolls 24 deliver the strip from the uncoiler and for from shaft 2! through gearing housed in easing 2Q, shaft 86, and suitable gearing housed in cas- 24 also perform the the scale on the strip. above and outwardly function of breaking down A fixed guide 32 positioned of the first guide roll 23 completes the assembly housings 22. It should be observed that the pass plane through the rolls carried by thehousings 22 is generally tangent to the natural curve taken by the strip 33 as the latter leaves the coil and extends in a downward direction for delivering the strip into a loop pit to be hereinafter described. It should be apparent that since the coil of strip is rotated by engagement of the sleeves 20 with the outer of parts carried by the periphery of the coil,the linear speed of the strip as it leaves the coil may be correlated with the not. shown, operated by a hand wheel '27. Also, the

this purpose are drivenproper is a gear case 80 which is adapted to drive the rolls in the reverse direction.

pass speed between the pinch rolls 24 and, consequently, the loop between the pinch rolls and the coil will be substantially constant regardless of the diameter of the coil. y

The loop pit, above mentioned, consists principally of a downwardly curved frame-work 34 on whch is journaled, by means of anti-friction bearings, a great number of fibre discs 35 which areadapted to supportthe strips at many spaced points. A limit switch LS! is provided with an operating arm, to be engaged by the strip when the latter fills the pit.

Y Referring now to Figures 117, 2b and 3 through- 6, the principal apparatus of the invention consists of a base 40 on which is mounted a pair in Figure 5, to subject the strip to severe reverse bends for the purpose of cold working the strip thereby relieving inherent stresses therein, as is.

well understood in the art. Roll 43 is guided in vertical guides 44 secured to or forming part of the housings 4| and 42 and is backed up by offset rolls 45 journaled in a slide 46 arranged to be moved vertically by an arm 48 which is driven by a crank. The crank is arranged to be rotated by a motor RM through suitable speed reducing gearing 49. A pair of pinch rolls 50 is positioned in front of the processing roll 43 and a double pair of backed-up pinch rolls 5| are positioned between the processing roll 43 and the rolls of the leveller 53. The pinch rolls 5! are arranged to be adjusted to vary the pressure means of worm gearing with conventional hold down screws 55. Likewise, pinch rolls 50 are adapted to be adjusted by manipulation of hand wheel 56 which is coupled to hold down screws 51 by means of shaft 58. a

Positioned-to oneside' of the processing leveller the rolls of the processing leveller, the levelling rolls being driven through flexible couplings 5|,

the pair of pinch rolls in front of the processing roll 43 by the flexible coupling spindles 62, and the pinch rolls between the processing roll 43 and the roller leveller by the flexible spindles 53. Incorporated in the drive for pinch rolls 50 is an overrunning clutch, not Shown, which allowsrolls 50 to rotate at a much higher rate of speed when the roll 43 is being elevated thereby drawing the strip into its looped path and through the pass between the rolls 5! and this overrunning clutch would, of course, normally prevent the driving of This free wheeling device is adapted to be bridged by a magnetically operated clutch indicated schematically at MCI, the operation of which will appear later.

Gear assembly 50 is driven by a hydraulic motor hmG which is supplied with oil under pressure by the variable delivery pump hpB driven by electric motor m6. The operation and features of this drive will be explained in connection with the hydraulic piping diagram and the electrical control circuit.

Supported on the front ends of the housings 4| and 42 are the subhousings and 66 ar-- ranged to support a scrubbing unit, shown more in detail in Figure 3 of the icing unit consists of lower brushing rolls 51 journaled in'the housings 65 and t6 and upper opposite scrubbing rolls 68 adjustably journaled in blocks 59 slidably mounted for vertical move ment in windows 10 provided in the housings.

* In accordance with usual practice, the brush brush rolls is a pair of rubber squeegees H to engage the top and bottom surfaces of the strip vto wipe the strip clean of scale, kerosene and between them by manipula-' tion of the hand wheel 54 which is coupled by drawings. This scruba toggle 41 operated by stop 96 and into sequential other foreign matter. The top rolls and squeegees, being caried by the blocks 69, are adapted to be raised and lowered as a unit to facilitate threading through of the strip by mechanism engaging the blocks. This may consist of bolts I2 having connection with the blocks 69 and extending up through bores in shanks 13 of members 14. It should be understood that one of the members 74 is provided at each side of the ma chine. A nut I5 controls the vertical position of the bolt I2 relative to the shank l3. Extending through vertically elongated apertures in each of the members F4 is a shaft 15 having a cam 'l'I keyed thereto within each of the members l l. Shaft 16 is journaled in member 18 fixed with respect to housings 85 and S6 and it should be apparent that upon rotation of the shaft l5 by hand wheel 00 that the members lid and, consequently, the blocks til will be raised in unison thereby separating the rolls and squeegees. Coll the brush rolls and the Squeegees and since the upper brush rolls and squeegees are independently mounted in the blocks 60, the latter may be adjusted from time to time to compensate for i wear and when the blocks G9 are raised or low-, ered, such adjustmentis not disturbed. Brush rolls til and 68 are driven by motor m4 through speed reducer 82 and flexible coupling 83.

Attached to and extending forwardly of the housing 55 and 65 are the housings 85 and 86 which support at their outer ends upper and lower horizontal guide rolls 81 and vertically disposed guide rolls 88. The latter are journaled on blocks 85 positioned at either side of the machine on support 90 and, in accordance with usual practice, the blocks 09 may be moved toward and away from each other by rotation of adjusting screw Si by the hand wheel 92. The latter adjustment is provided to accommodate strip of varied widths. An 'importantpart of the appasprings ti apply resilient pressure between this motor may be varied by as is well understood in the art.

3 conduit I06 is connected with conduit I04 and when de-energlzed, conduit I04 is connected with a return conduit I0'I leading back to a fluid storage sump I00 housed in the base of the uncoiler. Return conduit I09 is provided for the motor M113 and the speed of rotation of the output shaft of manipulation of the hand wheel ll 0. Referring to Figure 9, motor m3 is energized from a suitable current source SI through relay 3M, the coil of which is in series with control current supply line L3, conductor I I2, contact UV which is closed when the machine is set up for operation, a normally. open starting switch, conductor H3, conductor lid, and control current supply line Ll. In parallel with the starting switch is a normally closed stop switch in series with the holding contact 3Mi which is adapted to be closed upon energization of sole-- noid to provide a holding circuit for the latter upon release oi? the starting switch button, Solenoid US controls the operation of valve 555 and is in series with the limit switch LSl positioned in l the bottom of the loop pit 35, through conductors Hi5, ill and H8 and the operation of the circuit is such that the normally closed switch LS5 maintains solenoid US energized to continue the uncoiling rotation of the cradle and pinch rolls of the uncoiler until the strip reaches the bottom of the loop pit and engages the operator for switch LSl thereby de-energizing the solenoid and stopping rotation of the coil. The electric motor and connected pump remain in operation to maintain a constant supply of fluid presratus of .the invention is the strip measuring de-' vice which is provided to control the operation of the apparatus in such a manner that strip pieces of predetermined length are intermittently but automatically supplied to the metal working press in synchronism with and in accordance with the demands of the press. This device consists of a pair of gauging rolls 94 arranged to be driven without slippage by the strip passing through the machine and connected througha mechanical reducer to a dial 95 adapted to be spring biased in one direction against a positive but adjustable stop 96. Note .Figure 6. A magnetic clutch M02 is interposed inthe dial drive and when de-energized, the dia1 rotates against the stop 96. Upon being driven by measuring rolls 94, dial 95 will rotate in such direction that the stop engaging element 9! moves away from engagement with the operators of switches SD and MRS. The function and operations of these various parts will be explained below.

Measuring rolls 94 are journaled in frames I00 attached 'to the rear end of the housings 4| and 42 and to the rear of the measuring rolls 94 is a pair of pinch rolls IOI arranged to be driven from gear assembly 60 through spindle I02.

Referring now to Figure 7, the variable speed hydraulic motor hm3 which drives the cradle and pinch rolls of the uncoiler is supplied with fluid pressure from pump hp3 through conduit I04. valve I05 and conduit I08. Valve I 05 to be actuated by a solenoid US and operates in such manner that when the solenoid is energized,

is arranged sure for actuation of the fluid driving motor immediately upon the raising of the strip loop.

Energization of motors ml of the reversing type, is adapted to be accomplished by suitable manually controllable circuits, not shown, and upon energization of these motors, the rotary side guides I d are adapted to be moved inwardly or outwardly, as the case may be, to accommodate coils of strip of different widths.

In Figure 8, which is a schematic representation of the drive employed for gear case 60 which in turn operates the pinch rolls and leveller rolls of the processing leveller, as explained above, reference numeral I20 designates a four-way valve which is adapted to be operated in one direction by the solenoid C and in the other direction by solenoid B. The internal construction of valve I20 is such that when both solenoids are tie-energized, the valve core automatically moves to neutral position thereby interconnecting pump output conduit I 2I with pump return conduit I22 to provide an unobstructed circuit for the circulation of fluid by pump hpfi which is normally in continuous operation. Pump hpi is of the variable displacement type, the displacement being varied by actuation of. a servo-motor SM, the operation of which is in tum controlled by a solenoid A. Fluid pressure is supplied to motor SM through conduit I23 from a supercharging pump hp5 which is continuously drivenby a motor 1225. The operation of the displacement shifting mechanism is such that when the solenoid A is energized, the pump delivers the maximum volume for which it is adjusted and when the solenoid is de-energized, the pump delivers a much less but constant volume.

A positive displacement piston type of fluid motor hm 6 is connected with valve I20 by means of conduits I23 and H3 and is operable in'either direction depending on the direction of fluid flow and m2, which are located in the base of the through the conduits. The flow and its direction is controlled gization of one or the other of the solenoids B or C. When both solenoids B and C are deenergized, the ports in valve I20 communicating with the conduits I23 and I24 are closed and to provide for the drift of of motor' hmG and its connected gears, shafts and rolls as well as to accurately control the extent of such drift a bypassing conduit I25 interconnects the conduits I23 and I24 and interposed in conduit I25 is a reversible brake valve assembling I26 providedwith an adjustable impeding valve I21 on conduit I23 side of assembly I26 and with a second adjustable impeding valve I28 adjacentto conduit I24. Valves I21 and I28 are operable to impede or restrict the flow of fiuidthrough the conduit I25 to thereby control the extent of drift of motor hmIi, while providing safety means preventing damage to any of the parts by reason of the inertia of the rotating elements. Fluid is supplied to the system from a supply sump I30 conveniently processing leveller by means of the continuously operating supercharging pump hp which is provided with an outlet conduit I3I connected to a central passage in view I25 and operates to expel any air which may be entrapped in conduits I23, I24, I25, valves I20 and I26, and motor hmB and to by valve I20 through enerthe rotating parts of the stop switch or by automatic operation of the safety limit switch LS2.

Motor m5 which normally continuously operates supercharging pump 71415 for the purposes outlined above is energized from a suitable current-source S3 through relay 5M, the coil of which is in series with the control current line LI, L3 through conductors I42, I43, holding contact 5MI, stop switch, switch UVI and conmaintain all the passages in these parts filled with fluid pressure. Likewise, another conduit I32 maintains pump 71436 and its connected conduits and passages free of air and filled with fluid. Pump M15 is of the bypassing type and is provided with a return conduit I33 to return the fluid to the sump upon the attainment of predetermined pressures in the conduits I23, I3] and I32. Leakage return lines I34 and I35 are provided for pump M76 and motor hmB, respectively.

Supported by the guide roll frame 85. 86 is i a limit switch LS2 having an outwardly and downwardly extending operating arm I31 adapted to be engaged when the strip between the uncoiler and the processing leveller becomes taut and has as its principal function the stopping of the processing and ,i'eeding assembly if for any reason the uncoiler fails to deliver a proper supply of strip. Referring to Figure .9, the switch LS2, which is c1osed when arm I31 is not engaged, is in series across the control circuit supply line with conductor I38, a stop switch,

.a reset switch, an emergency stop switch, and

the coil of relay UV. Inparallel with the reset switch in this circuit is a holding contact UVI and it should be apparent that upon a momentary closing of the reset switch, the coil UV will lock in and maintain closed the contact UVI, mentioned above, since the stop switches and switch LS2 are normally closed. Motor m4 which drives the bIllShiIlg rolls of the strip scrubber is supplied with energy from source S2 through relay 4M, the coil of which is in series with the control current line through conductors I30, I40, holding contact 4MI, stop switch. switch UVI and conductor I4I. Switch UVI is closed upon energization of coil UV, as explained above. Parallel with the last mentioned stop switch and holding contact 4MI is a starting switch and it should be apparent that upon the momenary closing of the starting switch, the motor m4 will be energized and remain in operation until interrupted either by manual operation In parallel with the stop switch 5MI is a starting switch ductor MI. and holding contact and it should be apparent that upon a momentary-closing of the starting switch, motor m5 will be energized and remain in operation. In parallel with the coil of relay 5M .is the coil of a second relay TR, the operated contact TRI of which is in series with the coil of the relay controlling the supply of current to the main drive motor 112.5 to prevent operation of the latter until the supercharging pump is in opera-' tion. Motor m6 is supplied from a suitable current source S4 underthe control of the last mentioned relay. (6M), the coil of which is in series with LI, L3 through conductor I44, contacts TRI, holding contact GMI, stop switch, switch UVI and conductor I4I-.

sembly in forward direction and at high or normal speed, solenoids A and B are energized with solenoid C remainingde-energized. This is accomplishedby momentarily closing the run switch which is in series with conductors LI, L3 through switch UV2 which is closed upon energization of coil UV, limit switch MRS, conductor I45, conductor I46 and relay coil 4CR. In parallel with the run switch are the holding contacts 4CRI and upon energization of coil 40R, contacts 4CR2 in conductor I41 are closed which results in energization of relay coil BCR whichis in series with, contacts ICRZ. Simultaneously, contacts 40133 in conductor I48 are closed and this results in energization of relay coil ICR which is in series with contacts 4CR3, it being apparent that coils ICE and GCR derive their energy from conductors LI, L3 through switch UV2. Upon energization of. coils ICE and BCR,

. contacts ICRI 'in conductor I50 are closed as are also the contacts SCRI in conductor I5I. The closing of the former energizes solenoid A and the closing of the latter energizes solenoid B. Assuming that the machine is operating at its normal or high speed by reason of the energization of solenoids A and B, and that strip is being fed therethrough, such operation will continue until the first limit switch SD (normally closed) on the measuring device is opened by reason of a predetermined progression of the strip at which time the coil ICR will be de-energized. By referring to the bottom of Figure 9, it can be seen that the switch SD is in series with the coil ICR. When the latter isde-energized, contacts ICRI are opened and circuit I50 broken thereby de-energizing solenoid A. This action reduces the displacement of the pump M06 in the manner ex-. plained above and, therefore, reduces the speed of rotation of the output shaft of motor hmS which is connected to the pump by solenoid B acting through valve I20. The machine then continues to operate at this substantially reduced speed until the second limit switch MRS, normally closed,

In parallel with the stop switch and the holding contact is' starting switch and it should. be apparent that wheeling drive for of the measuring device (Figure 6) is opened which action interrupts circuit I46 and de-energizes coil 4CR. At this time contacts ICRZ in conductor I4'I-are opened and coil 6GB is accordingly de-energized. De-energization of BCR opens contacts GCRI in conductor 1 energizing solenoid B and allowing the valve I20 to shift to neutral position. Conduits I2I' and I22 are now interconnected to provide a free circulating passage for the fluid handled by pump M16 and at the same time the conduits I23 and I 24 are closed off at the valve I20. Valve assembly I26 now acts as a brake causing the discharge from the motor hmfi to pass over the relief valves I21 and 328 within the assembly, the pressure setting of the relief valves determining the braking effect. This action provides a means of absorbing the inertia energy of the moving strip and rotating'parts of the machine to bring the same to a quick but controlled stop. It is possible to accurately gauge the extent of overrun and by setting theswitch MRS accordingly, a highly accurate control over the quantity or length of the strip fed may be exercised. To facilitate the setting up of the machine and the threading through of the stock, relays ICE and IiCR are provided with inching switches, the operation of which drawings.

The machine may be reversed under manual control by depressing the reversing switch in line I52 to energize the coil of relay 'ICR. Contacts 'ICRI are closed upon energization of coil R and ar in series with solenoid C across the line LI, L3 and when solenoid C is energized, valve I is actuated so as to. divert the output. from pump hpfi to the opposite side of motor hmfi to cause the latter to rotate in the reverse direction. Referring to Figure 9, near the top thereof, it will be observed that contacts 'ICRZ are in series across the line LI, L3 with the coil of the magnetic clutch MC I. As explained above, the clutch MC 8 is provided for the purpose of bridging the free pinch rolls 50 so that these rolls may be driven in the reverse direction in backing up the machine.

To arrange the strip processing and feeding assembly for operation in synchronism with an automaticstamping press and the like, a switch PI is positioned on the press or other machine in such manner that it is momentarily closed if the previously worked piece has been removed from the press or machine and the latter is in condition to receive and work on anew piece of strip. Switch PI is located in line I53 which is in parallel with the run" switch. In series with switch PI is a switch AM which when the machine is set up for automatic operation. To operate the magnetic clutch MC2, an operating solenoid therefor is in series with the line LI, L3 and switch contacts 5RC-I, the latter of which are adapted to be closed by energization of relay SCR which is in series with L3, UV2, conductor I 54, normally closed switch P2, a manual clutch reset switch and normally closed switch 'ICR3. This is shown in Figures 6 and 9. Switch P2 is also mounted on the press (shown at I65 in Figure 6 as a representation of any conventional press) and is adapted to be momentarily opened as the press opens up immediately upon completion of a working operation. The momentary opening of switch P2 momentarily 'de-energizes the magnetic clutch MCZ thereby allowing the spring I55 to move the dial 95 of the measuring device (Figure 6) back to its original startthereby de is manually closedshould be readily apparent-from Figure 9 of' the g ing position in preparation for a new measuring cycle.

Ingeneral, therefore, the operation of the machine is such that the switch SD of the measuring device slows the machine down and the switch MRS thereof stops the operation of the machine with the strip advanced to its'exact proper position in the. press. Automatic means, not a part of the invention and therefore not shown, now operates the press and immediately thereafter the switch P2 is opened to move the dial to its original position and close switches SD and MRS. It should be remembered that the opening of MRS tie-energized coil 4CR. and took out its holding circuit which is in parallel with the manually engageable runf switch. Consequently, upon the re-clos'ing of MRS, coil $03 is not reenergizecl nor is the machine again started until the switch Pi is closed in the manner. aforesaid. Upon the momentary closing of switch PI, coil GCR is energized and held in by its holding contacts QCRI. g

In addition to the automatic controls outlined above, means is provided to automatically raise and lower the working roll Q3 of the strip processing assembly which roll is operated by motor RM. As explained above, roll 63 is raised and lowered by a crank and it should be apparent that rotation of the crank in one direction through l80 may move the roll from top to bottom position and continued rotation through another may move the'roll back to top position. Therefore, motor RM may be ni-directional. This motor is provided with a magnetic brake MRI to insure its stoppage at the proper positions and is energized from a suitable source S5 under the control of relay BCR. The coil of relay 80R is in series with line LI, L3, conductor I60, 2, normally closed limit switch ULI which is opened when the working roll 43 reaches its upper position, and normally opened switch contacts ZCRI.

. closed thereby energizing coil 20R and operating motor RM. If the working roll 43 is in its lower position rotation of RM continues until limit switch UL is opened indicating that the roll 43 has reached its upper position. It should be observed that additional contacts 2CR2 are provided on relay 20R which additional contacts are closed when coil 2GB is energized and which are in series with the coil of relay 30R and therefore upon de-energization of relay 26R, relay 3GB is energized. Contacts 3CI which are closed by energization of relay ZICR are in series with a limit switch DL representing the lower position of working roll 43, conductor I60 and relay 80R. It should, therefore, be apparent that when there is no strip in the machine as detected by switch I62, the roll 43 is automatically moved to lower position. Signal light L in series with limit switch BL is provided to warn the operator that I closed for automatic operation and manually opened for manual control of the motor RM.

Motor RM may 'be then manually controlled by directly to a metal working claims in determining manipulation of the push buttons shown whose operation should be apparent upon an inspection of Figure 9 of the drawings.

It should now be apparent that I have provided an improved method and apparatus which accomplishes the objects initially set out. By employing the principles of the invention, it is possible to feed metal strip from the coils thereof and simultaneously with the feeding to process and condition the strip as well as to accurately measure and control the amount of strip handled. This objective is accomplished by means of compact and rugged readily to automatic control synchronized with the cyclic operation of the machine to which the strip is supplied and, in practice, these advan tagestotal up to substantial savings in stock loss, machine time and labor costs. Moreover, by reason of the fact that the strip passes directly from a de-scaling and cleaning station to a processing and leveling station and thence directly to the machine utilizing the strip,'the strip arrives at the working station in the latter machine in sub stantially improved condition thereby increasing the quality of the product of the latter machine. Another important practical advantage fo the apparatus of the invention is the fact that the above advantages may be attained by means of apparatus which does not require a, great amount of factory floor space for its installation and operation. Moreover, the control of the entire apparatus is such that it may be remotely accomplished and thus its control station may be combined with the control station of the metal working press or other apparatus to which the treated strip is fed thereby further facilitatin the operation ofthe plant.

The above specifically described embodiment of the invention should be considered as illus- .1

trative only as obviously many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, while the particular measuring device employed in the machine is provided with means to first slow down the speed of the apparatus and to thereafter stop the apparatus, it should be apparent that other means may be employed to stop the apparatus after a pre strip has been fed. It is specifically contemplated that such alternate means may comprise 'a controlled'and synchronous decelerator which is operative to .insure the stoppage of the rolls. at exactly a predetermine position response is made and by allowing for this interval in setting the position of the response device, a'higlily accurate control of the lengthof strip fed may be accomplished. Reference should therefore be had to the appended the scope of the invention.

What I claim is:

1. In apparatus for conditioning and feeding metal strip to a metal working press and the like the combination of a strip uncoiler having means to support and rotate a coil of strip, a processing unit positioned immediately behind said uncoiler for receiving strip therefrom and having a working roll adapted to ,be moved through the plane of the strip pass through the apparatus to subject the strip to severe reverse bendings as it passes through the apparatus, a roller leveller, a strip measuring device, means responsive to the operation of said measuring device to interrupt'the operation of said leveller and processing unit upon passage therethrough press and the like apparatus which lends itself -determined amount of the d linear interval after a of a predetermined length processing unit, and means responsive to the size cluding control means adapted to be actuated following the completion of the feeding of a-pre- I determined length of strip, and means operative upon actuation of .said control means to prepare said measuring device for a new measuring cycle and in turn to restore the operation of said processing unit and leveller.

3. In apparatus for conditioning and feeding metal strip to a metal working press and the like the combination of a processing unit including a metal working roll adapted to be moved through the plane of the strip pass through the apparatus to subject the strip to severe reverse bends as it passes through the apparatus and a roller leveller, means to drive said processing unit, a strip measuring device positioned at the strip leaving end of said, unit, and means'controlled by said measuring device to interrupt the operation of said driving means for said processing unit.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 further haracterized in that said unit includes a pair of pinch rolls intermediate said metal working roll and said roller leveller, said driving means being operative to drive said pinch rolls and the rolls of said roller leveller, said driving means being operative to drive all of said rolls at changed speeds, and further means responsive to the operation of said measuring device to change the speed of rotation of all of said rolls.

5. In apparatus for conditioning and feeding metal strip to a metal working press and the like the combination of a strip processing unit including a metalworking roll adapted to be moved through the plane of the strip pass through said 4 unit whereby said ,strip is subjected to severe reverse-bends as the strip passes therethrough and a roller leveller, said unit including a pair of pinch rolls intermediate said metal working rolls and the rolls of the leveller, means to drive all of said rolls in unison, means to change the speed of rotation of said rolls, a strip measuring device positioned adjacent the leaving end of said unit, and means responsive to operation of said meas- Y .uring device to first decrease the speed of rotation ofsaid rolls and to thereafter render inoperative said rotating means.

' 1 6. Apparatus according eluding-means to control and adjust the drift of said rolls after said rotatingmeans has been rendered inoperative.

7. In apparatus for conditioning and feeding metal strip to a metal working press and the like the combination of a processing unit including a metal working roll adapted to be moved through the plane of the strip pass through said unit whereby the strip is subjected to severe reverse bends as it passes through said unit and a roller leveller, a pair of pinch rolls intermediate said metal working roll and the rollsof the leveller to draw said strip about said metal working roll,

- means to rotate all of said rolls inun prising a fluid pressure motor, a variable delivery fluid pump, means to drive said pump, means to vary the output of said pump, means to measure the strip as it issues from said unit, means responsive to operation of said measuring device to actuate said means to vary the output of said pump, and means res onsive to further operation of strip, a loop pit adapted to receive a supply of the strip positioned intermediate the said uncoiler and said loop in said pit to interrupt said first to claim 5 further in-- ison com- 4 said ' roll and over said working roll, means to rotate said al strip to a metal of said measuring device to disconnect the output rupt operation of said rolls upon said predeterof said pump from said motor. v v mined length of strip being fed, and means re-' 8. Apparatus according to claim 7 further in-v sponsive to a shortened condition of said loop to eluding means to control and-adjust the drift of rolls upon actuation of said disconnecting means.

9. Apparatus according to claim 7 further meluding a closed path through which the fluid assess-i l contained in said motor upon actuation oi said disconnecting means may circulate, and means to vary the resistance of flow of the last mentioned fluid'throllsh said closed passage.

10. In apparatus for conditioning and feeding metal strip to a metal working press and the like the combination of a strip uncoiler having means to support and rotate a, coil of strip, a processing stop rotation of said pinch rolls when the length of strip in said loop reaches a minimum value.

15. In apparatus for conditioning and feeding metal strip to a metal working press and the like the combination of a strip uncoiler having means to support and rotate a coil of strip, a strip processing and levelling unit having means to drive the rolls thereof, a loop space between said uncoiler and saidunit, means including a switch in said space adapted to be actuated by the attainunit having a working roll adapted to be moved through the plane of the strip p s through the apparatus to subject the stri to severe reverse bendings as it passes through the apparatus and a roller leveller, a loop pit adapted to receive a supply of strip positioned intermediate said uncoiler and said processing unit, and means responsive to the position of the strip loop in said pit to interrupt the operation of said first mentioned rotating means when a predetermined supply of strip is deposited in said pit.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 further including a pinch roll intermediate said working said roller leveller to draw the strip pinch rolls and the rolls of said roller levellerin' unison, and means responsive to a second position of the strip in said pit to interrupt the last mentioned rotating means when the supply of strip in said pit is deficient.

12. In apparatus for feeding metal strip to a metal working press and the like a stri uncoiler comprising in combination a pair of cradle rolls adapted to support and rotate a coil of strip, a pair of pinch rolls positioned above and to one side of said cradle rolls and arranged to rotate about spaced parallel axes parallel with the axes of rotation of said cradle rolls, the pass lane.

of said pinch rolls being adjacent the outer periphery of a coil supported on said cradle rolls and being substantially tangent to the strip emanating therefrom along a short spiral curve extending downwardly and positioned centrally above axes of said cradle rolls, V said cradle rolls and said pinch rolls in unison.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 further including a downwardly looped roller table positioned below and to one side of said pinch rolls to receive the strip issuing from said pinch rolls whereby the strip is caused to path as it comes tells.

it. In apparatus for uncoiling and feedingmetworking press and the like which requires a predetermined length of strip in each cyple of operation the combination of an uncoiler having mean to support and rotate a coil of strip, means comprising a switch responsive to the position of sleep in'the uncciled strip adjacent the uncoiler to interrupt said rotating means upon said loop'attaining a predetermined size, a pairs of pinch rolls to receive the strip from said loop and move the same into'said press and the and parallel with the and .means to drive oil? a coil support on said cradle like', means responsive to the lc 'igth of outwardly from a line ment of a. strip loop of predetermined proportions to interrupt operation of said coil rotating means, and means including a second switch in said space operable upon a predetermined de-- crease in saidloop to interrupt the operation of said coil rotating means and of the means to rotate the rolls of said unit.

16. In apparatus for conditioning and feeding metal strip to a metal working press and the like the combination of a base, a pair of spaced parallel housings mounted on said base, pairs of pinch rolls journaled in said housings to guide the strip horizontally through the apparatus, a working roll adapted to be moved through the plane of the strip pass whereby the strip is subjected to severe reverse bends as it passes through said apparatus, a roller leveller having its rolls journaled in said housings and being operative to level the strip after it passes over said working roll, one of said pairs of pinch rolls being DOSi-r tioned intermediate said working roll and said leveller, means to rotate the rolls of the said one of said pairs of pinch rolls and the rolls of said leveller, a strip measuring roll Journaled in said housings, and meansoperable in response to a predetermined rotation of said measuring roll to interrupt said roll rotating means.

17; In apparatus for conditioning and feeding metal strip from coils'oi' such strip directly to a metal working press and the like which requires a predetermined length of strip in each cycle of operation the combinationof a strip uncoiler having means to support and rotate a coil ofstrip and further means responsive to the position of a looped portion oi the strip as it leaves said coil in control of said rotating means, a processing follow an s-curved and feeding unit positioned immediately beyond said mean and having a working roll adapted to be moved through the plane of the strip pass I to subject the strip to severe reverse bendings and a roller leveller, a strip measuring devicelimmediately beyond said leveller and adapted .to control the rotation of the rolls of said roller leveller, said measuring device having a member movable in proportion to the movement of stripand means adapted to be actuated upon a predetermined movement of said member, said last mentioned means being effective to stop rotation of the rolls of said roller leveller, control means adapted to be actuated following the completion of the feeding of a predetermined length of strip, and means operative upon actuation ofsaid control means to return said member to its initial starting position thereby preparing said measuring device for a new .measuringcycle, and means operative substantially. simultaneousKwith the said return or said memberto reinitiate rotation of said rolls.

RUSSELL '1. Ton 

